ESPN releases trailer for documentary on '05 Texas team

On Tuesday, ESPN released a trailer for “05,” a new documentary on the 2005 Texas team that went undefeated to win the 2005 BCS National Championship over powerhouse USC in a picture perfect night at the Rose Bowl. The documentary will premiere on the Longhorn Network over three nights from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

Mack Brown’s 2005 Texas team was led by quarterback Vince Young. They started the season ranked No. 2 and remained there until they beat USC on Jan. 4, 2006 in Pasadena. The team went 13-0 and had wins over three teams ranked at the time they played each other: No. 4 Ohio State, No. 24 Colorado and No. 10 Texas Tech. It was their fourth national title in school history. 

Texas’ 41-38 victory over USC is still widely regarded as one of the best college football games of the 21st century. USC had won 34 straight games and the last two national championships at the time. Quarterback Matt Leinart won the Heisman Trophy in 2004, and while it has since been vacated, running back Reggie Bush won the Heisman in 2005. The USC offense also had running back LenDale White and wide receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. 

Conquering Pete Carroll’s USC seemed undoable at the time, but Vince Young’s 4th and 5 touchdown scramble with 26 seconds left in the game achieved the unthinkable. 

Texas looks to return to glory under Steve Sarkisian

The Longhorns have won double-digit games just one time after winning at least 10 games for nine straight seasons from 2001-2009. With new head coach and offensive guru Steve Sarkisian now at the helm, Texas will try to (truly) make noise at the national level for the first time in several years. Luckily for Sarkisian, he has several dynamic weapons at his disposal. 

Running back Bijan Robinson, who Sarkisian has compared to Bush, had 703 yards and four touchdowns on the ground plus 15 receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman. After splitting carries with Keaontay Ingram last season, Robinson is now the clear RB1 after Ingram left for USC. Sarkisian has said he wants to get Robinson around 20 touches per game this year. 

Sarkisian has yet to name his starting quarterback, but Casey Thompson is already in the national discussion as being a potential breakout player. Sarkisian said he would like to name a starter prior to Texas’ Sept. 4 date with No. 23 Louisiana.